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Gamble House Could Be Nearing Demolition

The long fight to save the historic Gamble House on the city's west side moves into a critical 24-hour period today.

Five members of Cincinnati Council, a slim majority, are signing a motion asking City Manager Milton Dohoney to instruct Solicitor John Curp to appeal last month's court ruling that cleared the way for demolition of the landmark.

But, she continues to worry that the city won't act in time to prevent the home from being razed.

"We have until Wednesday to get this motion passed," Kuhl said. "We firmly believe if the city does not appeal this within the allotted time, within 24 hours this house will be torn down."

Republican Charlie Winburn, Independent Chris Smitherman and three Democrats -- Laure Quinlivan, P G Sittenfeld and Chris Seelbach -- have affixed their signatures to the motion, which would need a fast-track process to be effective.

The city's top legal adviser has said there should be no appeal because the likelihood of success is low.

The property is controlled by the Greenacres Foundation which wants to transform it into a park. The Victorian mansion once owned by James Gamble, the creator of Ivory Soap, would be demolished in order to redevelop the land.

Preservationists in Westwood say conditions at the home have deteriorated over time, but that it can still be saved and is worth preserving. The National Trust for Historic Preservation called the Gamble House "an irreplaceable national treasure".

Without City Council intervention this week, the likelihood of demolition seems to grow.

"What we're afraid of", Westwood resident Bob Prokop said as he stood in front of the structure, "is that one day we're going to come by and see the wrecking crew taking it down."

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